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Advance Review: ABC’s ‘A Million Little Things’

ABC’s new ensemble drama, ‘A Million Little Things,’ is a powerful series that earns your investment from the very beginning. The show deals with some very heavy and topical subject matters (suicide, cancer, addiction, adultery), while delicately delivering feel-good laughs. The intensely gripping pilot takes you on an emotional roller coaster as you slowly learn a bit about each character. Honestly, I was on the edge of my seat and held my breath through most of the hour.

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Part of the show’s magic is due to the spellbinding cast, which includes some of your favorite familiar TV faces. Their collective chemistry is enchanting and their individual performances tug on your heartstrings. The show encourages honesty with oneself and others. As these men question their seemingly perfect friend’s actions, they begin opening up to each other. They even share things with each other that they can’t reveal to the loving and strong women in their lives. All of these actors and their characters exhibit a raw vulnerability that entices viewers to go on this journey with them.

WHEN FACED WITH SUDDEN AND SHOCKING CIRCUMSTANCES, A GROUP OF FRIENDS QUICKLY DISCOVERS THAT FRIENDSHIP ISN’T JUST ONE THING, ON THE PREMIERE OF ABC’S ‘A MILLION LITTLE THINGS,’ WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 26

“pilot” – They say friendship isn’t one big thing, it’s a million little things; and that’s true for a group of friends from Boston who bond under unexpected circumstances in the premiere episode of “A Million Little Things,” airing WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 26 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network, streaming and on demand. Some have achieved success, others are struggling in their careers and relationships, but all of them feel stuck in life. After one of them dies by suicide, it’s just the wake-up call the others need to finally start living.

DJ Nash is creator and executive producer; Aaron Kaplan and Dana Honor are executive producers; and James Griffiths is the director on the pilot and an executive producer, from ABC Studios/Kapital Entertainment.

“pilot” was written by DJ Nash and directed by James Griffiths.

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‘A Million Little Things’ should generate watercooler buzz. People will want to talk about what happened in the pilot and that is a good thing. This thoughtful series addresses suicide in a sensitive way by opening a dialogue about depression. Everyone wants to know why this happened because no one saw any warning signs. Unlike Netflix’s controversial drama ’13 Reasons Why,’ there is no elaborate explanation. Well, there isn’t one yet.

People will have their suspicions and theories. The pilot definitely leaves us longing for answers. Similar to NBC’s smash hit, ‘This Is Us,’ viewers will be eagerly waiting for their next feels fix as fascinating flashbacks and enlighting conversations gradually illustrate each character’s plight.

If you are moved by this spoiler-y official trailer, then you are going to love ‘A Million Little Things’…

Bottom Line: You’ll want to watch ‘A Million Little Things’ live to avoid twists and partake in the virtual group hug we will all need after each episode.

UPDATE:

After screening the first three episodes, I can officially say ‘A Million Little Things’ is one of my favorite new shows this fall. ‘Psych’-Os, James Roday will blow you away., especially in Episode 3. Each week, we will learn something new about these troubled characters. We continue to see how John thought things through before his death and grow even more bewildered as to why he decided to take his own life. This group harbors secrets and they will gradually come to light. Relationships are tested with each revelation.

I also want to clarify something because people are concerned about the portrayal of suicide on the show. ‘A Million Little Things’ does not glorify or justify suicide. We see how John’s death impacts his loved ones. It is upsetting, shocking, frustrating and mind-boggling for everyone. He was caring, thoughtful, compassionate, loving and happy, so WHY did he do it?

This is a heavy and thought-provoking show. It demonstrates how life-shattering suicide can be. It also gives insight on how or why some people might see suicide as a viable option. We discover what happens when someone succumbs to suicide, but we are also shown how someone overcomes the despair and seeks help.

However you may feel about suicide, this series will probably reflect your perspective at some point. The writers are very tactful and respectful in the way they are portraying this very sensitive subject matter. Please do not let it dissuade from watching the series because I think there is a lot to gain from the dialogue this show promotes.